Both the LG W31+ and Infinix Hot 10i target the entry-level smartphone market, but they approach it with different strategies. The LG W31+ represents a more traditional, balanced approach, while the Infinix Hot 10i prioritizes gaming performance within a tight budget. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and gaming, the Infinix Hot 10i is the clear winner. Its Helio G70 chipset, featuring Cortex-A75 cores, provides a significant performance uplift over the LG W31+'s Helio P22. While the LG offers a potentially cleaner software experience, the performance gap is too substantial to ignore.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, November 06. Released 2020, December 23 | 2021, May 20 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, May 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 166.2 x 76.3 x 8.4 mm (6.54 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) | 164.3 x 76 x 9.6 mm (6.47 x 2.99 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 173.6 g (6.14 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~80.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769V Helio G70 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11, XOS 7.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | Quad-LED flash |
| Single | - | 5 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 5 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Unspecified |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Blue | Black, Purple, Morandi Green, Heart of Ocean |
| Models | LMK315IM, LM-K315, LM-K315IM | X659B, PR652B, X658E, PR652C, X658B, X659 |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 100 EUR |
LG W31+
- Potentially cleaner software experience (LG's UI is generally less aggressive)
- Reliable for basic smartphone tasks
- May have a more understated design
- Significantly weaker performance compared to the Infinix Hot 10i
- Likely struggles with multitasking and gaming
- Missing fast charging support
Infinix Hot 10i
- Superior performance thanks to the Helio G70 chipset
- Faster 18W wired charging
- Better suited for gaming and demanding apps
- Software may include more pre-installed apps
- Potentially less refined software experience
- Build quality may be less premium
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize 12nm chipsets, suggesting similar power constraints impacting display capabilities. Specific display specs (resolution, panel type, brightness) are missing for the LG W31+, but given its market segment, it's likely a standard IPS LCD. The Infinix Hot 10i's display details are also unavailable, but the focus is clearly on internal performance rather than display quality. Users shouldn't expect vibrant colors or high brightness levels on either device.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, given both phones target the budget segment. Without specific sensor details, it's difficult to make a definitive judgment. Both manufacturers often include low-resolution auxiliary cameras (like 2MP macro lenses) that offer limited practical benefit. Image processing will likely be the differentiating factor, and Infinix's software tends to prioritize vibrant, social media-ready images, while LG often aims for more natural color reproduction. Expect acceptable results in good lighting conditions, but poor performance in low light.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Infinix Hot 10i’s MediaTek Helio G70 is a substantial upgrade over the LG W31+'s Helio P22. The G70 utilizes a dual-cluster CPU configuration with 2x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores and 6x 1.7 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, offering significantly better sustained performance than the W31+'s octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 setup. The A75 cores provide a noticeable boost in single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness. The G70 also features a more capable GPU, making the Hot 10i the better choice for mobile gaming. The LG W31+ will struggle with demanding titles.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, the Infinix Hot 10i includes 18W wired charging, a feature absent on the LG W31+. This faster charging capability is a significant advantage, allowing users to quickly top up their battery when needed. Even with a similar battery capacity, the Hot 10i’s more efficient Helio G70 chipset could translate to slightly longer battery life during moderate usage. The 18W charging will reduce downtime considerably.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG W31+ if you need a simple, reliable smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and prefer a potentially less cluttered software experience. Buy the Infinix Hot 10i if you prioritize gaming, multitasking, and a more responsive user experience, even if it means potentially dealing with more pre-installed apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Infinix Hot 10i's Helio G70 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty?
Yes, the Helio G70 is specifically designed for gaming. While you may need to lower graphics settings for optimal frame rates, the Hot 10i will provide a playable experience in PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty, unlike the LG W31+ which will likely struggle even on the lowest settings.
❓ Is the software on the Infinix Hot 10i heavily customized with bloatware?
Infinix phones are known to include pre-installed apps (bloatware). While the extent varies, users should expect to find several third-party apps pre-loaded on the Hot 10i. However, many of these can be uninstalled, freeing up storage space and improving the user experience.
❓ Does the LG W31+ receive regular software updates and security patches?
LG has exited the smartphone market, meaning the W31+ is unlikely to receive further software updates or security patches. This is a significant security risk and a major drawback compared to the Infinix Hot 10i, which may still receive updates from Infinix.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the Infinix Hot 10i compared to a standard 10W charger?
The 18W charging on the Infinix Hot 10i will significantly reduce charging times. While exact 0-100% times are unavailable, expect a noticeably faster charge compared to a standard 10W charger, potentially shaving off an hour or more of charging time.
